Most British homes use gas boilers which burn gas fuel to heat water. Almost a quarter of the UK’s total carbon emissions come from homes. The demand for greener, low-carbon alternatives is growing all the time. The government is supporting the transition and offering initiatives that empower consumers to adopt low-carbon heating so as to reduce emissions.
Everyone has a part to play in creating a greener future, and even changing the way you heat your home and water can make a difference. Here are some of the many benefits of using green alternatives:
Cost-efficient
Traditional heating systems are expensive to install and maintain, and older ones are not that energy efficient. The efficiency of green alternatives allows people to save money on their electricity bills. Green alternatives may require an initial upfront cost which can be expensive in the short term. However, many of them are eligible for the Renewable Heat incentive, and you can make a return on your investment over the long term. Electric radiators and heaters are less costly alternatives with lower Installation costs because they don’t need to be fitted into a home’s piping.
Best Electric Radiators, Dimplex and Ecostrad, have a number of alternatives to gas boilers, including electric radiators and electric heaters, biomass boilers, heat pumps, solar-powered or thermal heating panels. An expert can suggest a combination of electric radiators, electric water heaters and electric towel rails as a cheaper and more energy-efficient alternative to a gas boiler.
Energy efficient
Green alternatives waste little energy heating up a home. Modern electric radiators are highly customizable so you can program the exact heat schedule you need so you don’t waste any energy. Traditional gas water heaters lose energy through the venting process and are therefore less efficient, which means more energy is wasted.
Heat pumps are very energy efficient. A hybrid heating system consists of a heat pump and a gas boiler. It uses either one depending upon which offers the most efficiency at the time.
Better for the planet
Compared to traditional heating and cooling systems, going green is better for the environment because it helps eliminate greenhouse gasses.
Electric energy: Electric radiators and heaters are not only energy-efficient, but they don’t run on oil or other carbon-heavy fuels so they are a far greener alternative.
Energy from the ground, air or water: Heat pumps take heat from the ground, air or water and use an electric pump to get it to the right temperature to keep a house warm. Heat pumps reduce carbon emissions and are eligible for government subsidies.
Energy from the sun: Solar panels absorb energy from the sun and use it to heat water in a home so they reduce carbon emissions. Solar panels are expensive, even though they qualify for a government subsidy.
Biomass energy: Biomass is energy that comes from living things like plants and trees, which is natural and renewable. Organisms absorb energy from the sun, and biomass heating systems take that energy and convert it into heat energy. Biomass is cheap and more sustainable than fuel oil, natural gas or propane. Biomass heating systems do not produce as much carbon dioxide as fossil fuels.
Not all of these alternative solutions are suitable for every home. It depends a lot on the house area and your budget. If you don’t have a garden, you can’t use a ground source heat pump. If you have a flat roof, solar panels won’t work for you. However, with all the low-carbon options available, you are likely to find at least one that is suitable for your home.
Low maintenance
Electric radiators usually come with a warranty of up to 10 years and water heaters with one up to five years. This means significantly less maintenance is required compared with traditional heating systems that need yearly checkups.
Hybrid heating systems consisting of a heat pump and a boiler balance eco-friendliness with reliability. These systems have a longer lifespan than just a boiler as the boiler isn’t used all the time.
Infrared heating panels run on electricity and emit infrared energy as heat. They are completely silent, safer than gas, and maintenance costs are low. Solar panels are also easy to maintain